Preparing for the Worst

You never know when a natural disaster or other emergency could disrupt your life, but you can be prepared.

To ensure you’re ready for the unexpected, create a kit containing the supplies you’ll need most in the emergencies you’re most likely to encounter, such as power outages, tornadoes and snowstorms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the kit should contain at least three days’ worth of supplies for every member of your family, including pets. Many supplies go bad over time, so be sure to rotate them occasionally according to their expiration dates.

Cash: Credit and debit cards may not work if a retailer’s power is out.

Batteries: Radios and flashlights won’t work without them.

Multipurpose tool: This can come in handy when power tools won’t function.

Pet needs: Animals need food, water, and a leash or carrier if you need to travel with them.

Make mini preparedness kits to place in each of your family vehicles. A backpack can hold everything you’d need to make being stranded in a car overnight much more bearable. Also, decide on a meeting place where every member of your family will go in an emergency, in case you’re unable to communicate when disaster strikes.